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I love my Kuiu Icon 6000 as well. I haven't used it for lived out of it yet, but will most likely get the opportunity this year on my depredation bull elk hunt. I have however packed out one bull and multiple deer with it and I couldn't be more happy. I really like how the pack will swivel with your torso, becoming an extension to your body. I love the load lifters which keep the weight off the shoulders. I love the versatility of being able to fill it with junk one day and being able to cinch it down for a day pack if need be. Only down fall I have seen is the squeaking from the hip swivel point when knew. But it was an easy fix, tightening the straps and on my buddy's pack adding a little lubricant. Haven't had a problem with noise since.

I have an Icon 6000, a Stone Glacier Terminus, and a Kifaru Bikini/Timberline 1. The Icon is certainly well built and comfortable. I have hauled up to around 80 pounds in it, and the load lifters are fully functional. I like the pack quite a bit. It does not seem as durably constructed as the SG or KF. I have had good experiences with the SG and KF for hauling 100 plus pound loads as well. It seems there have been some improvements to the latest Icon models.

Still, the Carbon is exposed and subject to chipping or cracking. Just something to keep in mind. Kuiu packs are nice lightweight packs, but I recommend taking a look at the other options as well.

The only packs I have owned are the Cabela's Alaskan Guide frame pack and the KUIU 6000 so I don't have much to compare them to. With that being said, my KUIU has packed out a boned out bull elk hind quarter (60-70lbs, not sure how much a quarter would weigh) plus my gear (35lbs) with no issues. The pack felt amazing compared to the frame pack. The meat locker inside is nice to cinch the load down tight, keeping it close to your body. The swivel hip belt helped the load move as your body moves. The pack out was steep and nasty with quite a bit side hilling and I never noticed the weight pulling me in any given direction. The load lifters do a great job of getting the feel of the weight off the shoulders.